Computer Hardware
Computer Hardware
This domain tests components, ports, assembling and basic hardware faults. Expect questions on the motherboard, CPU, memory hierarchy, storage, power supply, peripherals, POST and preventive maintenance.
Core rules
- The CPU contains the control unit, arithmetic logic unit and registers. Clock speed is one performance factor, not the only one.
- RAM is volatile working memory; ROM is non-volatile. Cache is faster and smaller than RAM. Storage is non-volatile and retains data without power.
- HDDs use magnetic platters; SSDs use flash memory and have no moving parts.
- Common ports include USB, HDMI, VGA and audio jacks. The SMPS supplies regulated DC power.
- POST checks basic hardware at startup. BIOS or UEFI initialises hardware and starts the boot process.
Worked example
A desktop powers on but shows no display. First check the power indicator and fan, then the monitor cable and monitor input source. Reseat the RAM and check POST beeps. If a separate graphics card is fitted, confirm it is seated and that the monitor is connected to the correct port. The reasoning is to move from simple external checks to internal connections and then to component faults, rather than replacing parts at random.
Traps
Do not confuse RAM with storage; adding RAM does not increase disk capacity. A higher clock speed does not guarantee a faster system if other components bottleneck it. Handle components with ESD protection. Never force a connector, and confirm power is off before touching internal parts.